Subject:
Title
Resolution re-establishing the Social Action Funding Advisory Board.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt the resolution re-establishing the Social Action Funding Advisory Board (SAFAB), providing for the membership of the board and term of office for board members, and providing for the responsibilities of the Human Services Department.
• This resolution provides for the re-establishment of the SAFAB and the terms of membership. Additionally, it provides for a transparent, structured application review process that will operate “in the Sunshine” and allow for public comment.
• Due to the increased number of applications received annually, the allocation of Social Action Funding would be more transparently and efficiently dispensed through a non-biased technical review board.
• The resolution allows for the BCC to appoint partnering agencies to serve on the SAFAB to participate in the rank and review process and for delegated authority to the Director of Human Services to approve the appointee.
• Individual members of the ten (10) person board will be nominated from partnering agencies. Partnering agencies include:
o Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County
o Florida Department of Health, Pinellas County Health Department
o Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
o Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement agency
o Florida Department of Children and Families
o Office of the State Attorney, Sixth Judicial Circuit
o Office of the Public Defender, Sixth Judicial Circuit
o Guardian ad Litem of the Sixth Judicial Circuit
o Pinellas County School Board
o Local municipal representatives
o Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
• The SAFAB shall serve as the screening body for consideration of social service grant applications and will submit its recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for review and approval.
• The County Attorney’s Office confirmed that no public hearing or advertisement is needed for this resolution.
• No funding will be allocated towards the SAFAB.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
2.4 Support programs that seek to prevent and remedy the causes of homelessness and move individuals and families from homelessness to permanent housing
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
Summary
This resolution provides for the re-establishment of the SAFAB and the terms of membership. Due to an economic downturn in 2011, the amount of funding available for social service agencies through the Social Action Funding program was reduced and the original SAFAB was dissolved. Since that time, the County has increased its investment in Social Action Funding and has seen a steady rise in the number of applications submitted. Due to the increased number of applications, the allocation of the funds would be more transparently and efficiently dispensed through a non-biased technical review board. The resolution will provide structure and guidelines for the establishment of the SAFAB while supporting its operation “in the Sunshine.” Members of the ten (10) person board will be selected from partnering agencies and approved by the Director of Human Services. The SAFAB shall serve as the screening body for consideration of social service grant applications and will submit its recommendations to the Board for review and approval. HS staff will continue to assist in the evaluation process by providing expertise and background information and will evaluate disbursements made to the various social service agencies.
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Background Information:
On June 23, 1998, the Board created the Social Action and Mental Health Funding Advisory Board, in 2001 it was renamed the Social Action Funding Advisory Board. At the time, the SAFAB was responsible for reviewing applications for the distribution of social services funding received from the County. This board was dissolved in 2011 due to reduced social service funding availability.
In recent years, the County increased the allocation of funding to social service agencies through the efforts of HS. Coupled with increasing needs in our community, this has caused a steady rise in the number of applications submitted. In Fiscal Year 23 (FY23), fifty-seven (57) Social Action Funding applications were received. Re-establishing the SAFAB will provide structure and transparency in this highly competitive grant process. Additionally, advisory boards established by the Board for advisory purposes must operate “in the Sunshine” which will provide for public attendance and comment.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County
Florida Department of Health, Pinellas County Health Department
Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement agency
Florida Department of Children and Families
Office of the State Attorney, Sixth Judicial Circuit
Office of the Public Defender, Sixth Judicial Circuit
Guardian ad Litem of the Sixth Judicial Circuit
Pinellas County School Board
Local municipal representatives
Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
Attachments:
Resolution